PM assures nation

Nasik Swami
Saturday, August 30, 2014

THE Fijian Government is working closely with the UN for the release of the 44 Fijian peacekeepers who have been detained by an armed group in Syria, says Prime Minister Rear Admiral (Ret) Voreqe Bainimarama.

In a statement yesterday, Rear Admiral (Ret) Bainimarama said the latest information with government revealed the soldiers were safe.

"I can say now that the negotiations for their release have already begun.

"I want to assure the families of the soldiers we are doing everything possible to secure their safe return," he said.

The PM said the men were peacekeepers, not combatants in the Syrian conflict, and there was no need for them to be detained.

"The soldiers and their families are in the thoughts and prayers of all Fijians. We are united as a nation in praying for their safe return."